It is understood that Barca are also prepared to offer him a new deal shortly, which they have already communicated to the 22-year-old, although so far there has been no formal offer on the table.

Montoya made just 15 La Liga appearances last term with boss Tito Vilanova forced to use him at left-back in order to give him more playing time, yet La Blaugrana see him as the natural replacement for Dani Alves when the Brazilian eventually decides to leave the club.